Explanation
Source of income discrimination occurs when landlords refuse to rent a unit to a prospective tenant based on their source of income. In Columbus, over half of Housing Choice Voucher recipients are Black households, causing source of income discrimination to be a proxy for race discrimination. Establishing protections for source of income will help provide opportunity for more affordable housing options in diverse neighborhoods across the city.
Title
To amend Chapter 4501 and Chapter 4551 of Columbus City Codes protecting a tenant from discrimination based on their source of income.
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of all parties to protect tenants from being discriminated against based on their source of income; and
WHEREAS, current code allows discrimination against tenants based on their source of income; and
WHEREAS, amending the city code to protect tenants from being discriminated against based on their source of income would benefit the City of Columbus because tenants will have additional housing opportunities within the city; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 4501 of Columbus City Codes is hereby amended to read as follows:
4501.378 Source of Income
“Source of income” means any lawful source of income which can be verified and substantiated, including but not limited to, income derived from wages, social security, supplemental security income, public or private sources, and all forms of federal, state or local assistance payments or subsidies, including rent vouchers, child support, spousal support, and public assistance.
SECTION 2. That Chapter 4551 of The Columbus City Codes is hereby amended to read as follows:
4551.03 Source of Income Discrimination
(a) No operator shall knowingly, based on the source of income of a prospective tenant or current tenant:
(1) Refuse to lease or rent any real property to a prospective tenant or current tenant;
(2) Make any distinction, di...
Click here for full text